Astros top 50 moments: No. 50. Richards becomes first GM

It was Gabe Paul, not Paul Richards, who was the first choice to lead the franchise, and Paul’s decision to leave for Cleveland 11 months before the Colt .45s’ first pitch would shape multiple franchises.

It meant the Astros would have to go on a second search, ultimately landing the Texan former manager who would take Bob Aspromonte in the expansion draft. He presided over the first four unsuccessful years but clearly had an eye for talent, acquiring Jimmy Wynn and Joe Morgan among others.

Rumors swirled at the time about what made Paul leave with some saying that it was a rift with ownership over control – a common theme throughout the franchise’s history.

Paul, who brought Tal Smith with him from Cincinnati to Houston, went on to become one of the most successful executives of the 1970. He was president of the Yankees under George Steinbrenner, helping to assemble the “Bronx Zoo” teams that won two World Series.

Hired more than a year before the franchise was to start playing, he never made it to opening day.